Designation: C33/C33M − 16´1

Standard Specification for

Concrete Aggregates1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C33/C33M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected 3.2.1 and Footnote B of Table 1 in November 2016.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification defines the requirements for grading
and quality of fine and coarse aggregate (other than lightweight
or heavyweight aggregate) for use in concrete.2
1.2 This specification is for use by a contractor, concrete
supplier, or other purchaser as part of the purchase document
describing the material to be furnished.
NOTE 1—This specification is regarded as adequate to ensure satisfac-
tory materials for most concrete. It is recognized that, for certain work or
in certain regions, it may be either more or less restrictive than needed. For
example, where aesthetics are important, more restrictive limits may be
considered regarding impurities that would stain the concrete surface. The
specifier should ascertain that aggregates specified are or can be made
available in the area of the work, with regard to grading, physical, or
chemical properties, or combination thereof.
1.3 This specification is also for use in project specifications
to define the quality of aggregate, the nominal maximum size
of the aggregate, and other specific grading requirements.
Those responsible for selecting the proportions for the concrete
mixture shall have the responsibility of determining the pro-
portions of fine and coarse aggregate and the addition of
blending aggregate sizes if required or approved.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
as requirements of this standard.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.20 on Normal Weight Aggregates.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2016. Published March 2016. Originally
approved in 1921. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C33/C33M – 13. DOI:
10.1520/C0033_C0033M-16E01.
2
For lightweight aggregates, see Specifications C330, C331, and C332; for
heavyweight aggregates see Specification C637 and Descriptive Nomenclature
C638.
2.1 ASTM Standards:3
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
and Voids in Aggregate
C40 Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates
for Concrete
C87 Test Method for Effect of Organic Impurities in Fine
Aggregate on Strength of Mortar
C88 Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C123 Test Method for Lightweight Particles in Aggregate
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
gregates
C131 Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of Small-
Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los
Angeles Machine
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates
C142 Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in
Aggregates
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
C227 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of
Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)
C289 Test Method for Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of
Aggregates (Chemical Method) (Withdrawn 2016)4
C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
crete Aggregates
C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for
Concrete
C311 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Fly Ash or
Natural Pozzolans for Use in Portland-Cement Concrete
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
tural Concrete
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
1
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C33/C33M − 16´1
TABLE 1 Grading Requirements for Fine Aggregate D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Ma-
Sieve (Specification E11) Percent Passing terials
9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.) 100 E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
4.75-mm (No. 4) 95 to 100 Sieves
2.36-mm (No. 8) 80 to 100
1.18-mm (No. 16) 50 to 85 2.2 Other Standards:
600-µm (No. 30) 25 to 60 AASHTO T 330 Method of Test for the Qualitative Detec-
300-µm (No. 50) 5 to 30
150-µm (No. 100) 0 to 10
tion of Harmful Clays of the Smectite Group in Aggre-
75-µm (No. 200) 0 to 3.0A,B gates Using Methylene Blue5
A
For concrete not subject to abrasion, the limit for material finer than the 75-µm
(No. 200) sieve shall be 5.0 % maximum. 3. Terminology
B
For manufactured fine or other recycled aggregate, if the material finer than the
75-µm (No. 200) sieve consists of the dust of fracture, essentially free of clay or 3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
shale, this limit shall be 5.0% for concrete subject to abrasion, and 7% maximum Terminology C125.
for concrete not subject to abrasion.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 aggregate, recycled, n—granular material that has
been diverted, separated, or removed from the solid waste
C331 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete stream, and processed for use in the form of raw materials or
Masonry Units products.
C332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulat-
ing Concrete 4. Ordering and Specifying Information
C342 Test Method for Potential Volume Change of Cement- 4.1 The direct purchaser of aggregates shall include the
Aggregate Combinations (Withdrawn 2001)4 information in 4.2 in the purchase order as applicable. A project
C441 Test Method for Effectiveness of Pozzolans or Ground specifier shall include in the project documents information to
Blast-Furnace Slag in Preventing Excessive Expansion of describe the aggregate to be used in the project from the
Concrete Due to the Alkali-Silica Reaction applicable items in 4.3.
C535 Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of Large- 4.2 Include in the purchase order for aggregates the follow-
Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los ing information, as applicable:
Angeles Machine 4.2.1 Reference to this specification, as C33____,
C586 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Carbon- 4.2.2 Whether the order is for fine aggregate or for coarse
ate Rocks as Concrete Aggregates (Rock-Cylinder aggregate,
Method) 4.2.3 Quantity, in metric tons or tons,
C595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements 4.2.4 When the order is for fine aggregate:
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined 4.2.4.1 Whether the restriction on reactive materials in 7.3
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete applies,
C637 Specification for Aggregates for Radiation-Shielding 4.2.4.2 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see 8.1)
Concrete which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate
C638 Descriptive Nomenclature of Constituents of Aggre- or magnesium sulfate shall be used,
gates for Radiation-Shielding Concrete 4.2.4.3 The appropriate limit for material finer than 75-µm
C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to (No. 200) sieve (see Table 1). If not stated, the 3.0 % limit shall
Rapid Freezing and Thawing apply,
C989 Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and 4.2.4.4 The appropriate limit for coal and lignite (see Table
Mortars 2). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall apply,
C1105 Test Method for Length Change of Concrete Due to 4.2.5 When the order is for coarse aggregate:
Alkali-Carbonate Rock Reaction
C1157 Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
Mixtures 5
AASHTO Standard Specifications, Part 2B: Tests. Available from American
C1260 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Ag- Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 444 N.
gregates (Mortar-Bar Method) Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001, http://www.transportation.org.
C1293 Test Method for Determination of Length Change of
Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction TABLE 2 Limits for Deleterious Substances in Fine Aggregate for
C1567 Test Method for Determining the Potential Alkali- Concrete
Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Mate- Mass Percent
Item of Total Sample,
rials and Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method) max
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates Clay lumps and friable particles 3.0
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (With- Coal and lignite:
drawn 2016)4 Where surface appearance of concrete 0.5
is of importance
D2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and All other concrete 1.0
Fine Aggregate

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
2
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C33/C33M − 16´1
4.2.5.1 The grading (size number) (see 10.1 and Table 3), or
alternate grading as agreed between the purchaser and aggre-
gate supplier.
4.2.5.2 The class designation (see 11.1 and Table 4),
4.2.5.3 Whether the restriction on reactive materials in 11.2
applies,
4.2.5.4 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see Table
4), which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium
sulfate or magnesium sulfate shall be used, and
4.2.6 Any exceptions or additions to this specification (see
Note 1).
4.3 Include in project specifications for aggregates the
following information, as applicable:
4.3.1 Reference to this specification, as C33____.
4.3.2 When the aggregate being described is fine aggregate:
4.3.2.1 Whether the restriction on reactive materials in 7.3
applies,
4.3.2.2 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see 8.1)
which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium sulfate
or magnesium sulfate shall be used.
4.3.2.3 The appropriate limit for material finer than the
75-µm (No. 200) sieve (see Table 1). If not stated, the 3.0 %
limit shall apply, and
4.3.2.4 The limit that applies with regard to coal and lignite
(Table 2). If not stated, the 1.0 % limit shall apply.
4.3.3 When the aggregate being described is coarse
aggregate, include:
4.3.3.1 The nominal maximum size or sizes permitted,
based on thickness of section or spacing of reinforcing bars or
other criteria. In lieu of stating the nominal maximum size, the
specifier shall designate an appropriate size number or numbers
(see 10.1 and Table 3). Designation of a size number to indicate
a nominal size shall not restrict the person responsible for
selecting proportions from combining two or more gradings of
aggregate to obtain a desired grading, provided that the
gradings are not otherwise restricted by the project specifier
and the nominal maximum size indicated by the size number is
not exceeded,
4.3.3.2 The class designation (see 11.1 and Table 4),
4.3.3.3 Whether the restriction on reactive materials in 11.2
applies,
4.3.3.4 In the case of the sulfate soundness test (see Table
4), which salt is to be used. If none is stated, either sodium
sulfate or magnesium sulfate shall be used, and
4.3.4 The person responsible for selecting the concrete
proportions if other than the concrete producer.
4.3.5 Any exceptions or additions to this specification (see
Note 1).
FINE AGGREGATE
5. General Characteristics
5.1 Fine aggregate shall consist of natural sand, manufac-
tured sand, or other recycled aggregate, or a combination
thereof.
NOTE 2—This standard only addresses properties of aggregates consid-
ered necessary for use in concrete and the associated test methods
contained within this standard. Certain recycled aggregate sources may
contain materials and properties not addressed as part of the document
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
3
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
specifications, limits, or test methods. Recycled aggregates may require
evaluation for environmental considerations (air quality, water quality,
storage) using the appropriate local, state, and federal test methods in
effect at the time of use.
6. Grading
6.1 Sieve Analysis—Fine aggregate, except as provided in
6.2 and 6.3 shall be graded within the limits in Table 1.
NOTE 3—Concrete with fine aggregate gradings near the minimums for
percent passing the 300 µm (No.50) and 150 µm (No.100) sometimes have
difficulties with workability, pumping or excessive bleeding. The addition
of entrained air, additional cement, or the addition of an approved mineral
admixture to supply the deficient fines, are methods used to alleviate such
difficulties.
6.2 The fine aggregate shall have not more than 45 %
passing any sieve and retained on the next consecutive sieve of
those shown in 6.1, and its fineness modulus shall be not less
than 2.3 nor more than 3.1.
6.3 Fine aggregate failing to meet these grading require-
ments shall meet the requirements of this section provided that
the supplier can demonstrate to the purchaser or specifier that
concrete of the class specified, made with fine aggregate under
consideration, will have relevant properties (see Note 6) at
least equal to those of concrete made with the same
ingredients, with the exception that the reference fine aggregate
shall be selected from a source having an acceptable perfor-
mance record in similar concrete construction.
NOTE 4—Manufactured fine aggregate having elevated proportions of
material passing the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve may need further evaluation to
ensure that material passing the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve is essentially
composed of dust of fracture derived from the parent rock in the crushing
operation, and does not contain an appreciable level of clay minerals or
other deleterious constituents as described in Descriptive Nomenclature
C294. Because some of the dust of fracture may occur in the clay size
range, defined here as material finer than 2 µm, care must be taken to
properly differentiate these clay-sized materials from clay minerals.
Natural fine aggregate with elevated proportions of material passing the
75-µm (No. 200) sieve may have higher potential for clay mineral content.
Various means are available for characterizing these fines, such as
petrographic analysis (Guide C295), sand equivalent determination (Test
Method D2419), hydrometer analysis (Test Method D422), methylene
blue adsorption determination (AASHTO T 330) and X-ray diffraction
analysis. While these techniques are useful for investigative purposes, no
specific limits have been established for prediction of performance of
these materials in concrete under various intended service conditions.
Methylene blue adsorption and hydrometer analyses are believed to be
two relatively quick and reliable tests for characterization of material
passing the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve to determine suitability for use in
concrete. Research (1,2) has indicated that manufactured fine aggregate
with less than 4 % by mass finer than 2 µm, and with methylene blue
adsorption values less than 5 mg/g generally is suitable for use in concrete.
Fine aggregate that exceeds these values also may be suitable for use
provided that fresh and hardened concrete properties are shown to be
acceptable.
NOTE 5—Fine aggregate that conforms to the grading requirements of
a specification, prepared by another organization such as a state transpor-
tation agency, which is in general use in the area, should be considered as
having a satisfactory service record with regard to those concrete
properties affected by grading.
NOTE 6—Relevant properties are those properties of the concrete that
are important to the particular application being considered. STP 169D6
provides a discussion of important concrete properties.
6
Significance of Tests and Properties of Concrete and Concrete Making
Materials, STP 169D, ASTM, 2006.
 TABLE 3 Grading Requirements for Coarse Aggregates
Amounts Finer than Each Laboratory Sieve (Square-Openings), Mass Percent
Nominal Size
Size Number (Sieves with 100 90 mm 75 mm 63 mm 50 mm 37.5 mm 25.0 mm 19.0 mm 12.5 mm 9.5 mm 4.75 mm 2.36 mm 1.18 mm 300 µm
Square Openings) mm (31⁄2 in.) (3 in.) (21⁄2 in.) (2 in.) (11⁄2 in.) (1 in.) (3⁄4 in.) (1⁄2 in.) (3⁄8 in.) (No. 4) (No. 8) (No. 16) (No.50)
(4 in.)

Downloaded/printed by
1 90 to 37.5 mm 100 90 to 100 ... 25 to 60 ... 0 to 15 ... 0 to 5 ... ... ... ... ... ...
(31⁄2 to 11⁄2 in.)

2 63 to 37.5 mm ... ... 100 90 to 100 35 to 70 0 to 15 ... 0 to 5 ... ... ... ... ... ...
(21⁄2 to 11⁄2 in.)

3 50 to 25.0 mm ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 35 to 70 0 to 15 ... 0 to 5 ... ... ... ... ...
(2 to 1 in.)

357 50 to 4.75 mm ... ... ... 100 95 to 100 ... 35 to 70 ... 10 to 30 ... 0 to 5 ... ... ...
(2 in. to No. 4)

4 37.5 to 19.0 mm ... ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 20 to 55 0 to 15 ... 0 to 5 ... ... ... ...
(11⁄2 to 3⁄4 in.)

467 37.5 to 4.75 mm ... ... ... ... 100 95 to 100 ... 35 to 70 ... 10 to 30 0 to 5 ... ... ...
(11⁄2 in. to No. 4)

5 25.0 to 12.5 mm ... ... ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 20 to 55 0 to 10 0 to 5 ... ... ... ...

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
(1 to 1⁄2 in.)

4
56 25.0 to 9.5 mm ... ... ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 40 to 85 10 to 40 0 to 15 0 to 5 ... ... ...
(1 to 3⁄8 in.)

57 25.0 to 4.75 mm ... ... ... ... ... 100 95 to 100 ... 25 to 60 ... 0 to 10 0 to 5 ... ...
(1 in. to No. 4)
C33/C33M − 16´1

6 19.0 to 9.5 mm ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 20 to 55 0 to 15 0 to 5 ... ... ...
(3⁄4 to 3⁄8 in.)

67 19.0 to 4.75 mm ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 ... 20 to 55 0 to 10 0 to 5 ... ...
(3⁄4 in. to No. 4)

7 12.5 to 4.75 mm ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 40 to 70 0 to 15 0 to 5 ... ...
(1⁄2 in. to No. 4)

Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
8 9.5 to 2.36 mm ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 85 to 100 10 to 30 0 to 10 0 to 5 ...
(3⁄8 in. to No. 8)

89 9.5 to 1.18 mm ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 90 to 100 20 to 55 5 to 30 0 to 10 0 to 5
( 3⁄8 in. to No. 16)

9A 4.75 to 1.18 mm ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 85 to 100 10 to 40 0 to 10 0 to 5
(No. 4 to No. 16)
A
Size number 9 aggregate is defined in Terminology C125 as a fine aggregate. It is included as a coarse aggregate when it is combined with a size number 8 material to create a size number 89, which is a coarse
aggregate as defined by Terminology C125.
 TABLE 4 Limits for Deleterious Substances and Physical Property Requirements of Coarse Aggregate for Concrete
NOTE 1—See Fig. 1 for the location of the weathering regions and Note 11 for guidance in using the map. The weathering regions are defined as follows:
(S) Severe Weathering Region—A cold climate where concrete is exposed to deicing chemicals or other aggressive agents, or
where concrete may become saturated by continued contact with moisture or free water prior to repeated freezing and thawing.
(M) Moderate Weathering Region—A climate where occasional freezing is expected, but where concrete in outdoor service will not
be continually exposed to freezing and thawing in the presence of moisture or to deicing chemicals.
(N) Negligible Weathering Region—A climate where concrete is rarely exposed to freezing in the presence of moisture.
Maximum Allowable, %

Downloaded/printed by
Sum of Clay
Lumps, Fri-
Material
Class Type or Location of Concrete Clay able Magnesium
Chert (Less Finer
Designation Construction Lumps and Particles, Coal and Sulfate
Than 2.40 sp Than 75-µm AbrasionA
Friable Par- and Lignite Soundness
gr SSD) (No. 200)
ticles Chert (Less (5 cycles)B
Sieve
Than 2.40 sp
gr SSD)
Severe Weathering Regions
1S Footings, foundations, columns and 10.0 ... ... 1.0C 1.0 50 ...
beams not exposed to the weather, in-
terior floor slabs to be given coverings
2S Interior floors without coverings 5.0 ... ... 1.0C 0.5 50 ...
3S Foundation walls above grade, retaining 5.0 5.0 7.0 1.0C 0.5 50 18
walls, abutments, piers, girders, and
beams exposed to the weather
4S Pavements, bridge decks, driveways 3.0 5.0 5.0 1.0C 0.5 50 18
and curbs, walks, patios, garage floors,
exposed floors and porches, or water-

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
front structures, subject to frequent

5
wetting
5S Exposed architectural 2.0 3.0 3.0 1.0C 0.5 50 18
or decorative concrete
Moderate Weathering Regions
1M Footings, foundations, columns, and 10.0 ... ... 1.0C 1.0 50 ...
beams not exposed to the weather, in-
terior floor slabs to be given coverings
C33/C33M − 16´1

2M Interior floors without coverings 5.0 ... ... 1.0C 0.5 50 ...
3M Foundation walls above grade, retaining 5.0 8.0 10.0 1.0C 0.5 50 18
walls, abutments, piers, girders, and
beams exposed to the weather
4M Pavements, bridge decks, driveways 5.0 5.0 7.0 1.0C 0.5 50 18
and curbs, walks, patios, garage floors, exposed floors
and porches, or water-
front structures subject to frequent wet-

Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
ting
5M Exposed architectural 3.0 3.0 5.0 1.0C 0.5 50 18
or decorative concrete
Negligible Weathering Regions
1N Slabs subject to traffic abrasion, bridge 5.0 ... ... 1.0C 0.5 50 ...
decks, floors, sidewalks, pavements
C
2N All other classes of concrete 10.0 ... ... 1.0 1.0 50 ...
A
Crushed air-cooled blast-furnace slag is excluded from the abrasion requirements. The rodded or jigged bulk density (unit weight) of crushed air-cooled blast-furnace slag shall be not less than 1120 kg/m3 [70 lb/ft3].
The grading of slag used in the bulk density (unit weight) test shall conform to the grading to be used in the concrete. Abrasion loss of gravel, crushed gravel, or crushed stone shall be determined on the test size or
sizes most nearly corresponding to the grading or gradings to be used in the concrete. When more than one grading is to be used, the limit on abrasion loss shall apply to each.
B
The allowable limits for soundness shall be 12 % if sodium sulfate is used.
C
This percentage under either of the following conditions: (1) is permitted to be increased to 1.5 if the material is essentially free of clay or shale; or (2) if the source of the fine aggregate to be used in the concrete is
known to contain less than the specified maximum amount passing the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve Table 1 the percentage limit (L) on the amount in the coarse aggregate is permitted to be increased to L = 1 + [(P)/(100 − P)]
(T − A), where P = percentage of sand in the concrete as a percent of total aggregate, T = the Table 1 limit for the amount permitted in the fine aggregate, and A = the actual amount in the fine aggregate. (This provides
a weighted calculation designed to limit the maximum mass of material passing the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve in the concrete to that which would be obtained if both the fine and coarse aggregate were supplied at the
maximum tabulated percentage for each of these ingredients.)
 C33/C33M − 16´1
6.4 For continuing shipments of fine aggregate from a given
source, the fineness modulus shall not vary more than 0.20
from the base fineness modulus. The base fineness modulus
shall be that value that is typical of the source. The purchaser
or specifier has the authority to approve a change in the base
fineness modulus.
NOTE 7—The base fineness modulus should be determined from
previous tests, or if no previous tests exist, from the average of the
fineness modulus values for the first ten samples (or all preceding samples
if less than ten) on the order. The proportioning of a concrete mixture may
be dependent on the base fineness modulus of the fine aggregate to be
used. Therefore, when it appears that the base fineness modulus is
considerably different from the value used in the concrete mixture, a
suitable adjustment in the mixture may be necessary.
7. Deleterious Substances
7.1 The amount of deleterious substances in fine aggregate
shall not exceed the limits prescribed in Table 2.
7.2 Organic Impurities:
7.2.1 Fine aggregate shall be free of injurious amounts of
organic impurities. Except as herein provided, aggregates
subjected to the test for organic impurities and producing a
color darker than the standard shall be rejected.
7.2.2 Use of a fine aggregate failing in the test is not
prohibited, provided that the discoloration is due principally to
the presence of small quantities of coal, lignite, or similar
discrete particles.
7.2.3 Use of a fine aggregate failing in the test is not
prohibited, provided that, when tested for the effect of organic
impurities on strength of mortar, the relative strength at 7 days,
calculated in accordance with Test Method C87, is not less than
95 %.
7.3 Fine aggregate for use in concrete that will be subject to
wetting, extended exposure to humid atmosphere, or contact
with moist ground shall not contain any materials that are
deleteriously reactive with the alkalies in the cement in an
amount sufficient to cause excessive expansion of mortar or
concrete, except that if such materials are present in injurious
amounts, use of the fine aggregate is not prohibited when used
with a cement containing less than 0.60 % alkalies calculated
as sodium oxide equivalent (Na2O + 0.658K2O), if there is a
satisfactory service record evaluation, or with the addition of a
material that has been shown to prevent harmful expansion due
to the alkali-aggregate reaction. (See Appendix X1, X1.1.2,
X1.1.3)
8. Soundness
8.1 Except as provided in 8.2 and 8.3, fine aggregate
subjected to five cycles of the soundness test shall have a
weighted average loss not greater than 10 % when sodium
sulfate is used or 15 % when magnesium sulfate is used.
8.2 Fine aggregate failing to meet the requirements of 8.1
shall be regarded as meeting the requirements of this section
provided that the supplier demonstrates to the purchaser or
specifier that concrete of comparable properties, made from
similar aggregate from the same source, has given satisfactory
service when exposed to weathering similar to that to be
encountered.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
6
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
8.3 Fine aggregate not having a demonstrable service record
and failing to meet the requirements of 8.1 shall be regarded as
meeting the requirements of this section provided that the
supplier demonstrates to the purchaser or specifier it gives
satisfactory results in concrete subjected to freezing and
thawing tests (see Test Method C666/C666M).
COARSE AGGREGATE
9. General Characteristics
9.1 Coarse aggregate shall consist of gravel, crushed gravel,
crushed stone, air-cooled blast furnace slag, or crushed
hydraulic-cement concrete (see Note 8), or other recycled
aggregate (see Note 2), or a combination thereof, conforming
to the requirements of this specification.
NOTE 8—Although crushed hydraulic-cement concrete has been used as
an aggregate with reported satisfactory results, its use may require some
additional precautions. Mixing water requirements may be increased
because of the harshness of the aggregate. Partially deteriorated concrete,
used as aggregate, may reduce freeze-thaw resistance, affect air void
properties or degrade during handling, mixing, or placing. Crushed
concrete may have constituents that would be susceptible to alkali-
aggregate reactivity or sulfate attack in the new concrete or may bring
sulfates, chlorides, or organic material to the new concrete in its pore
structure.
10. Grading
10.1 Coarse aggregates shall conform to the requirements
prescribed in Table 3 for the size number specified.
NOTE 9—The ranges shown in Table 3 are by necessity very wide in
order to accommodate nationwide conditions. For quality control of any
specific operation, a producer should develop an average grading for the
particular source and production facilities, and should control the produc-
tion gradings within reasonable tolerances from this average. Where
coarse aggregate size numbers 357 or 467 are used, the aggregate should
be furnished in at least two separate sizes.
11. Deleterious Substances
11.1 Except for the provisions of 11.3, the limits given in
Table 4 shall apply for the class of coarse aggregate designated
in the purchase order or other document (see Note 10 and Note
11). If the class is not specified, the requirements for Class 3S,
3M, or 1N shall apply in the severe, moderate, and negligible
weathering regions, respectively (see Table 4 and Fig. 1).
NOTE 10—The specifier of the aggregate should designate the class of
coarse aggregate to be used in the work, based on weathering severity,
abrasion, and other factors of exposure (see Table 4 and Fig. 1) . The limits
for coarse aggregate corresponding to each class designation are expected
to ensure satisfactory performance in concrete for the respective type and
location of construction. Selecting a class with unduly restrictive limits
may result in unnecessary cost if materials meeting those requirements are
not locally available. Selecting a class with lenient limits may result in
unsatisfactory performance and premature deterioration of the concrete.
While concrete in different parts of a single structure may be adequately
made with different classes of coarse aggregate, the specifier may wish to
require the coarse aggregate for all concrete to conform to the same more
restrictive class to reduce the chance of furnishing concrete with the
wrong class of aggregate, especially on smaller projects.
NOTE 11—For coarse aggregate in concrete exposed to weathering, the
map with the weathering regions shown in Fig. 1 is intended to serve only
as a guide to probable weathering severity. Those undertaking
construction, especially near the boundaries of weathering regions, should
consult local weather bureau records for amount of winter precipitation
 C33/C33M − 16´1

FIG. 1 Location of Weathering Regions

and number of freeze-thaw cycles to be expected, for determining the
weathering severity for establishing test requirements of the coarse
aggregate. For construction at altitudes exceeding 1520 m [5000 ft] above
sea level, the likelihood of more severe weathering than indicated by the
map should be considered. In arid areas, severity of weathering may be
less than that indicated. In either case, the definitions of weathering
severity in Table 4 would govern. If there is doubt in choosing between
two regions, select the more severe weathering region.
11.2 Coarse aggregate for use in concrete that will be
subject to wetting, extended exposure to humid atmosphere, or
contact with moist ground shall not contain any materials that
are deleteriously reactive with the alkalies in the cement in an
amount sufficient to cause excessive expansion of mortar or
concrete except that if such materials are present in injurious
amounts, the coarse aggregate is not prohibited when used with
a cement containing less than 0.60 % alkalies calculated as
sodium oxide equivalent (Na2O + 0.658K2O), if there is a
satisfactory service record evaluation, or with the addition of a
material that has been shown to prevent harmful expansion due
to the alkali-aggregate reaction. (See Appendix X1, X1.1.2,
X1.1.3)
11.3 Coarse aggregate having test results exceeding the
limits specified in Table 4 shall be regarded as meeting the
requirements of this section provided the supplier demonstrates
to the purchaser or specifier that concrete made with similar
aggregate from the same source has given satisfactory service
when exposed in a similar manner to that to be encountered; or,
in the absence of a demonstrable service record, provided that
the aggregate produces concrete having satisfactory relevant
properties (see Note 6).
METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING
12. Methods of Sampling and Testing
12.1 Sample and test the aggregates in accordance with the
following methods, except as otherwise provided in this
specification. Make the required tests on test specimens that
comply with requirements of the designated test methods. It is
not prohibited to use the same test specimen for sieve analysis
and for determination of material finer than the 75-µm (No.
200) sieve. The use of separated sizes from the sieve analysis
is acceptable for soundness or abrasion tests, however, addi-
tional test specimen preparation is required (see Note 12). For
other test procedures and the evaluation of potential alkali
reactivity, when required, use independent test specimens.
NOTE 12—The material used for the soundness test requires resieving to
allow proper test specimen preparation as specified in Test Method C88.
12.1.1 Sampling—Practice D75 and Practice D3665.
12.1.2 Grading and Fineness Modulus—Test Method C136.
12.1.3 Amount of Material Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
Sieve—Test Method C117.
12.1.4 Organic Impurities—Test Method C40.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
7
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C33/C33M − 16´1
12.1.5 Effect of Organic Impurities on Strength—Test
Method C87.
12.1.6 Soundness—Test Method C88.
12.1.7 Clay Lumps and Friable Particles— Test Method
C142.
12.1.8 Coal and Lignite—Test Method C123, using a liquid
of 2.0 specific gravity to remove the particles of coal and
lignite. Only material that is brownish-black, or black, shall be
considered coal or lignite. Coke shall not be classed as coal or
lignite.
12.1.9 Bulk Density (Unit Weight) of Slag—Test Method
C29/C29M.
12.1.10 Abrasion of Coarse Aggregate—Test Method C131
or Test Method C535.
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. METHODS FOR EVALUATING POTENTIAL FOR DELETERIOUS EXPANSION DUE TO ALKALI REACTIVITY OF AN
AGGREGATE
X1.1 Introduction
X1.1.1 Laboratory Methods—Many test methods for evalu-
ating the potential for deleterious expansion due to alkali
reactivity of an aggregate have been proposed and some have
been adopted as ASTM standards. However, there is no general
agreement on the relation between the results of these tests and
the amount of expansion to be expected or tolerated in service.
Therefore, evaluation of the suitability of an aggregate should
be based upon judgment, interpretation of test data, and results
of examinations of concrete structures containing the same
aggregates and similar cementitious materials having similar
levels of alkalies. Results of the tests referred to in this
appendix may assist in making the evaluation. When interpret-
ing expansion of laboratory specimens, consideration should
be given not only to expansion values at specific ages, but also
to the shape of the expansion curve, which may indicate
whether the expansion is leveling off or continuing at a
constant or accelerating rate.
X1.1.2 Service Record Evaluation—Valid, comparable con-
crete service record data, if available, should take precedence
over laboratory test results in most cases. To be considered
valid, a record of satisfactory service should be available for at
least 10 years for aggregates, cementitious materials, and
exposures sufficiently similar to those in which an aggregate is
being considered for future use. Longer periods of documented
service may be required for proposed work designed for a
particularly long service life in moist conditions, or if labora-
tory test results show that the aggregate may be deleteriously
reactive.
X1.1.3 Mitigation of Alkali-Aggregate Reaction—If an ag-
gregate has been judged to be potentially deleteriously reactive
in concrete either through laboratory or service record
evaluation, use of the aggregate should be considered with
measures known to prevent excessive expansion due to alkali-
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
8
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
12.1.11 Reactive Aggregates—See Appendix X1.
12.1.12 Freezing and Thawing—Procedures for making
freezing and thawing tests of concrete are described in Test
Method C666/C666M.
12.1.13 Chert—Test Method C123 is used to identify par-
ticles in a sample of coarse aggregate lighter than 2.40 specific
gravity, and Guide C295 to identify which of the particles in
the light fraction are chert.
13. Keywords
13.1 aggregates; coarse aggregate; concrete aggregates; fine
aggregate
aggregate reaction. See the mitigation sections in this appendix
under X1.3 Alkali-Silica Reaction and X1.4 Alkali-Carbonate
Rock Reaction and References cited for discussion of preven-
tion strategies for new concrete.
X1.2 Background
X1.2.1 Background information on alkali-aggregate reac-
tion can be found in Ref (3)7, Descriptive Nomenclature C294,
and Guide C295 as discussed as follows. Additional discussion
is included in Refs (4) (5). These references address both
alkali-silica reaction and alkali-carbonate rock reaction.
X1.2.1.1 Descriptive Nomenclature C294 for Constituents
of Concrete Aggregates—This nomenclature provides descrip-
tions of constituents of mineral aggregates and includes dis-
cussion of which have been associated with deleterious expan-
sion due to alkali reaction.
X1.2.1.2 Guide C295 (Petrographic Examination of
Aggregates)—This guide outlines the procedures for examin-
ing an aggregate sample or a sample from a potential aggregate
source to determine whether substances that are potentially
deleteriously reactive are present; and, if so, in what amounts.
X1.2.1.3 Alkali-Silica Reaction—Certain materials are
known to be potentially deleteriously alkali-silica reactive.
These include forms of silica such as opal, chalcedony,
tridymite, and cristobalite; cryptocrystalline and
microcrystalline, strained, or highly fractured quartz; and
intermediate to acid (silica-rich) volcanic glass such as is likely
to occur in rhyolite, andesite, or dacite. Determination of the
presence and quantities of these materials by petrographic
examination is helpful in evaluating potential alkali reactivity.
An aggregate can be potentially deleteriously reactive when
7
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard.
 C33/C33M − 16´1
some of these materials, such as opal, are present in very small
quantities (for example, 1 %).
X1.2.1.4 Alkali-Carbonate Rock Reaction—The reaction of
dolomite in certain carbonate rocks with alkalies has been
associated with deleterious expansion of concrete containing
such rocks as coarse aggregate. The most rapidly reactive
carbonate rocks possess a characteristic texture in which
relatively large crystals of dolomite are scattered in a finer-
grained matrix of calcite and clay. These rocks also have a
composition in which the carbonate portion consists of sub-
stantial amounts of both dolomite and calcite, and the acid-
insoluble residue contains a significant amount of clay. Certain
purely dolomitic rocks also may produce slow expansion in
concrete.
X1.3 Alkali-Silica Reaction
X1.3.1 Test Method C289 (Chemical Method)—The results
of the test are values for the quantities of dissolved silica (Sc)
and reduction in alkalinity (Rc) for each of the three test
portions from the prepared aggregate test sample. Aggregates
represented by plotted points (Sc, Rc), which lie on the
deleterious side of the solid curve of Fig. X1.1 of Test Method
C289 usually should be considered potentially reactive. Three
regions are delineated in the figure: (1) aggregates considered
innocuous; (2) aggregates considered potentially deleterious;
and (3) aggregates considered deleterious. Aggregates repre-
sented by points lying in the potentially deleterious region
above the dashed line in Fig. X1.1 of Test Method C289 may
give relatively low expansions in mortar or concrete even
though they are extremely reactive with alkalies. The test can
be made quickly and can provide helpful information, except
for slowly reactive rocks such as some granitic gneiss and
quartzite. Also, as pointed out in the appendix to Test Method
C289, the results may not be correct for aggregates containing
carbonates or magnesium silicates, such as antigorite
(serpentine), or constituents producing late-slow reactivity. See
the appendix to Test Method C289 for a discussion of the
interpretation of results and applicable references. If test results
indicate deleterious or potentially deleterious character, the
aggregates should be tested in accordance with Test Methods
C227 or C1293 to verify the potential for expansion in
concrete.
X1.3.2 Test Method C227 (Mortar-Bar Method for Cement-
Aggregate Combinations)—The results of this test method,
when a high-alkali cement is used, furnish information on the
likelihood of potentially deleterious expansion occurring. The
alkali content of the portland cement should be at least 0.8 %,
expressed as percent sodium oxide equivalent (%Na2O + 0.658
× %K2O). Combinations of aggregate and cementitious mate-
rials that have produced excessive expansions in this test
method should be considered potentially reactive. While the
line of demarcation between innocuous and potentially delete-
rious combinations is not clearly defined, expansion is gener-
ally considered to be excessive if it exceeds 0.05 % at 3 months
or 0.10 % at 6 months. Expansions greater than 0.05 % at 3
months should not be considered excessive when the 6-month
expansion remains below 0.10 %. Data for the 3-month tests
should be considered only when 6-month results are not
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
9
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
available. The limits may not be conservative for slowly
reactive aggregates. Test Method C227 is not suitable for
slowly reactive aggregates, and its use for this purpose is not
advised (3, 4). Aggregates suspected of being slowly reactive
should be evaluated using Test Method C1260 or Test Method
C1293. Test Method C227 is also used with a specific reactive
glass aggregate to verify the mitigation effectiveness of
blended cements meeting Specification C595, with the Table 2
optional mortar expansion requirement, and meeting Perfor-
mance Specification C1157 with Option R. These procedures
are similar to the provisions of Test Method C441 discussed as
follows for mineral admixtures and ground slag.
X1.3.3 Test Method C342 (Mortar Bars Subjected to
Changes in Moisture and Temperature)—This withdrawn test
method was intended for research concerning the potential
expansion of cement-aggregate combinations involving se-
lected aggregates found in parts of Oklahoma, Kansas,
Nebraska, and Iowa. Due to the specimen conditioning
procedures, the expansion of mortar bars in this test method
may not be related to alkali-silica reaction under normal-
temperature conditioning. Data on the use of this test method
are given in the references cited in a footnote in the test
method. It is indicated that cement-aggregate combinations
tested by this procedure in which expansion equals or exceeds
0.20 % at an age of 1 year may be considered unsatisfactory for
use in concrete exposed to wide variations of temperature and
degree of saturation with water. This test method is not
recommended for use in regions other than previously cited.
X1.3.4 Test Method C1260 (Mortar-Bar Method for Poten-
tial Alkali Reactivity of Aggregate)—This test method is an
accelerated screening technique developed for the detection of
materials that develop deleterious expansions slowly over a
long period of time. Some aggregates that perform well in the
field have been shown to fail this test (6, 7). Results of this test
method should not be used for rejection of aggregates unless it
has been established using the sources of supplementary
information cited in the test method that the detected expansion
is actually due to alkali-silica reaction. There is good agree-
ment in the published literature cited in the test method for the
expansion limits: (1) expansions of less than 0.10 % at 16 days
after casting are indicative of innocuous behavior in most
cases; (2) expansions of more than 0.20 % at 16 days are
indicative of potentially deleterious expansion; and (3) expan-
sions between 0.10 and 0.20 % at 16 days include both
aggregates that are known to be innocuous and deleterious in
field performance. If test results indicate expansion greater
than 0.10 % at 16 days, the aggregate should be tested in
accordance with Test Method C1293 unless appropriate field
experience demonstrates that it does not cause deleterious
expansion in concrete. (See X1.3.6.)
X1.3.5 Test Method C1293 (Concrete Prism Method for
Alkali-Silica Reactivity)—The test method evaluates the aggre-
gates independently, or combinations of aggregate with cemen-
titious materials composted of hydraulic cement and pozzolan
or ground granulated blast-furnace slag for potential alkali-
silica reaction expansion using concrete prisms. The test
method is accelerated by using an elevated alkali content and
Test Method C227 exposure conditions. The appendix to Test
 C33/C33M − 16´1
Method C1293 provides guidance on interpretation of the
results. When evaluating aggregates independently, those with
expansions equal to or greater than 0.04 % at one year are
considered potentially deleteriously reactive. When evaluating
combinations of hydraulic cement and pozzolan or ground
granulated blast-furnace slag, the test is extended to two years
using the 0.04 % expansion limit. This test method is consid-
ered to be the most reliable procedure among ASTM Test
Methods for the evaluation of aggregates for alkali-silica
reaction.
X1.3.6 Mitigation of Alkali-Silica Reaction—Normally if an
aggregate is shown to be nonreactive or innocuous by produc-
ing little or no expansion in Test Method C1260 or Test Method
C1293, no mitigation is necessary. Similarly, if the aggregate
has a long satisfactory service record with similar cementitious
materials having similar or higher alkali levels, no mitigation is
necessary. On the other hand, use of aggregates judged to be
potentially deleteriously alkali-silica reactive should be con-
sidered with the use of measures known to prevent excessive
expansion. These include measures such as: low-alkali cement
(Specification C150 with the low-alkali option); blended ce-
ments (Specification C595 with the Table 2 optional mortar
expansion requirement or Performance Specification C1157
with Option R); pozzolanic materials (meeting the optional
physical requirement on effectiveness in controlling alkali-
silica reaction in Specification C618 or reactivity with cement
alkalies in Specification C1240 for silica fume); or ground slag
(shown to be effective in preventing excessive expansion of
concrete due to alkali-aggregate reaction as discussed in
Appendix X3 of Specification C989). The effectiveness of the
cementitious materials or admixtures, or both, chosen to
mitigate a potentially reactive aggregate should be demon-
strated through tests of the individual materials, or tests of the
proposed combination in concrete.
X1.3.7 Test Method C441 (Mortar-Bar Method for Effec-
tiveness of Mineral Admixtures or Ground Blast-Furnace Slag
in Preventing Excessive Expansion of Concrete Due to the
Alkali-Silica Reaction)—This test method evaluates cementi-
tious materials in mortar bars as in Test Method C227 using
highly-reactive borosilicate glass as the aggregate. Specifica-
tion C618 provides a criterion for its use as applied to fly ash
and raw or calcined natural pozzolans when sampled and tested
in accordance with Test Methods C311 by comparison with a
control mortar made with low-alkali cement. Specification
C1240 provides criteria for the use of Test Method C441 to
evaluate silica fume for controlling expansion. Appendix X3 to
Specification C989 describes its use for ground granulated
blast-furnace slag. Project specific materials can be evaluated
by proportioning the mortars according to the Job Mixture
clause. In evaluating the results of this test, it should be
recognized that borosilicate glass is more reactive than most
construction aggregates; therefore, the amount of a given
pozzolan or ground slag necessary to control expansion with a
portland cement of given alkali content may be higher than
needed to avoid deleterious expansion with a particular con-
struction aggregate.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
10
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
X1.3.8 Test Method C1567 (Accelerated Mortar-Bar
Method for Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity
of Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate)—
This test method evaluates specific combinations of aggregate
with cementitious materials composed of hydraulic cement and
pozzolans or ground granulated blast-furnace slag under stor-
age conditions described in Test Method C1260. Because
mortar specimens are stored in 1N NaOH solution, the test may
underestimate the effectiveness of cementitious materials that
rely to a significant degree on low alkali content for mitigation.
In general, expansions less than 0.10 % at 16 days are
considered to indicate effective control of potential ASR-
related expansion of the aggregate by the specific combination
of cementitious materials.
X1.3.9 The use of Test Method C1293 to evaluate the
mitigation of potentially reactive aggregates is discussed in
X1.3.5.
X1.4 Alkali-Carbonate Rock Reaction
X1.4.1 Test Method C586 (Rock Cylinders Method for
Alkali-Carbonate Rock Reaction)—Rocks that are capable of
potentially deleterious carbonate rock reaction are relatively
infrequent and seldom constitute a significant proportion of a
deposit of rock being considered for use in making aggregate
for concrete. Test Method C586 has been successfully used in
research and in preliminary screening of aggregate sources to
indicate the presence of material with a potential for deleteri-
ous expansions when used in concrete.
X1.4.2 Test Method C1105 (Concrete-Prism Method for
Alkali-Carbonate Rock Reaction)—This test method is in-
tended to evaluate specific combinations of materials in con-
crete when the aggregate is regarded as susceptible to delete-
rious expansion in service due to the alkali-carbonate rock
reaction. The appendix to Test Method C1105 provides general
information and references concerning the interpretation of
results. A cement-aggregate combination might reasonably be
classified as potentially deleteriously reactive if the average
expansion of six concrete specimens is equal to or greater than:
0.015 % at 3 months; 0.025 % at 6 months; or 0.030 % at 1
year. Data for later ages are preferred.
X1.4.3 Mitigation of Alkali-Carbonate Rock Reaction—
Normally, if a carbonate rock does not show the characteristic
texture and composition associated with this type of reaction,
or if it does not produce expansion in rock cylinders (Test
Method C586) or concrete prisms (Test Method C1105), no
mitigation is necessary for alkali-carbonate rock reaction.
Similarly, if the aggregate has a long satisfactory service record
with similar materials and conditions, no mitigation is neces-
sary. On the other hand, use of aggregates judged to be
potentially deleteriously alkali-carbonate reactive in concrete is
not recommended unless it can be shown that mitigation
methods will be effective. Pozzolans generally have not been
found to control alkali-carbonate rock reaction. Measures
suggested for mitigation includes: avoiding reactive carbonate
rocks; selective quarrying; diluting reactive rock to less than
20 % of the aggregate in the concrete; use of smaller maximum
size; and the use of very low alkali cement.
 C33/C33M − 16´1

REFERENCES

(1) Ahn, N. and Fowler, D. W., “An Experimental Study on the
Guidelines for Using Higher Contents of Aggregate Microfines in
Portland Cement Concrete,” ICAR Research Report 102-1F, Interna-
tional Center for Aggregates Research, University of Texas, Austin,
TX, 2001, 435 pp. (http://www.icar.utexas.edu/publications/101_2F/
101_2Cvr.pdf)
(2) Norvell, J.K., Stewart, J.G., Juenger, M.C.G and Fowler, D.W.,
“Influence of Clay and Clay-Sized Particles on Concrete Performance,
”Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, Vol 19, No. 12,
December 2007, pp. 1053–1059.
(3) Significance of Tests and Properties of Concrete and Concrete-
Making Materials, Klieger, Paul and Lamond, Joseph F., Eds, ASTM
STP 169C, 1994, 623 pages. See Chapter 31 on “Petrographic
Evaluation of Concrete Aggregates,” by Richard C. Mielenz, Chapter
32 on “Alkali-Silica Reactions in Concrete” by David Stark, and
Chapter 33 on “Alkali-Carbonate Rock Reaction” by Michael A.
Ozol.
(4) “State-of-the-Art Report on Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity” by ACI
Committee 221 on Aggregates, ACI 221.1R-98, American Concrete
Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 1998 , 31 pages.
(5) Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete, Berube, M. A., Fournier, B.,
and Durand, Eds, Proceedings of the 11th International Conference,
Quebec City, Canada, June 2000, 1402 pages. (Note—This confer-
ence and proceedings includes information on ASR and ACR in
concrete by researchers and experts from all over the world. Copies of
the volume can be obtained from the International Centre for
Sustainable Development of Cement and Concrete, 405 Rochester
Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0G1.)
(6) Hooton, R.D., and Rogers, C.A., “Evaluation of Rapid Test Methods
for Detecting Alkali-Reactive Aggregates,” Proceedings of Eighth
International Conference on Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, Kyoto, 1989,
pp. 439–444.
(7) Fournier, B., and Berube, M.A., “Application of the NBRI Acceler-
ated Mortar Bar Test to Siliceous Carbonate Aggregates Produced in
the St. Lawrence Lowlands, Part 2: Proposed Limits, Rates of
Expansion, and Microstructure of Reaction Products,” Cement and
Concrete Research, Vol 21, 1991, pp. 1069–1082.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C33/C33M – 13, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved Feb. 1, 2016.)

(1) Added 3.2 and Note 2. (3) Revised Footnote B in Table 1.

(2) Revised 5.1 and 9.1.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Nov 29 03:39:07 EST 2016
11
Downloaded/printed by
Redwan Hameed (Saudi Readymix Concrete Company) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.